Saturday, April 24, 2010

My grandparents lived in Philadelphia for as long as I can remember, so I probably should be thinking of them when I drink from it. Nonna and Pop-Pop. Nonna died about 7 years ago. I remember the day because it was near my first wedding anniversary and Mr. Bean and I had just made an offer on the condo where we are now living.

String Bean has recently gotten into the story of Noah again. Instead of Noah, she says Nonna. It has led to some very confusing moments for me because she never knew Nonna and we haven't been talking about her lately. But it is a nice reminder of my grandmother.

No, instead of thinking of my grandparents, I am reminded of my husband's friend, Bryan. He lives in Philadelphia (not the suburbs like my grandparents) and used to work at Starbucks. One time when we visited, we spent some time with him and he gave us the Philly mug that I enjoy my tea out of this morning. Thanks, Bryan!

Pop-Pop turns 90 in August, so we will be visiting Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, then....as a family of 4!

Friday, April 16, 2010

String Bean has been exerting her independence lately, which I'm told (and I read) is typical behavior of a two-year old. Here are some examples:

No longer am I allowed to button her jacket.

Nor unbutton it.

Shoes are apparently up to the wearer to pick and put on.

And take off.

If I give String Bean two choices of dresses to wear, she will chose neither. It is as if she is saying, "I need options, Mom!" (I had my best success when I laid 9 dresses on her bed and sent her into her room alone to pick out one.)

When told, "You are wearing your monkey pajama pants," a toddler remembers that she has 2 pairs of monkey pajama pants. No matter which one I pull out, it would be the wrong one. Tears follow.

Although coloring is a favorite activity, if it is my idea, String Bean isn't interested...until 15 minutes later.

Leaving the house has become a chore. "I need this," is the common cry I hear as String Bean goes around the house picking up random objects and toys to take along on the quick run to pick up the babysitter.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Our family tradition at Easter time is to make Resurrection Rolls. This afternoon when String Bean finished her lunch, we set up the workstation to make the Rolls. She did not enjoy getting her fingers dirty (typical). However, once she realized the dough was not cookie dough, she had fun trying to wrap the marshmallows up in it.

While we waited for the Rolls to cook and cool, String Bean, Mr. Bean, and I watched the Charlie Brown Easter Beagle special. String Bean is the biggest Charlie Brown and gang fan you've ever seen. (All we've heard the last few days is "New Brown? Please?")

We set the ready-to-eat Resurrection Roll in front of String Bean and told her to look and see if Jesus was still in there. When she popped it open, she just looked at me with a blank stare unsure of what to say since Jesus had disappeared. I said, "Where is he?" She replied, "Bye-bye." Mr. Bean and I taught her to say, "Risen."

It is a precious tradition especially with preschool aged kids. If you and your family don't have a tradition and are looking to start one, we highly recommend Resurrection Rolls!